Why Seasonal Depression Symptoms Will Be Your Next Big Obsession

Seasonal Depression Symptoms

Similar to other forms of depression, people with SAD may experience sadness or lack of enthusiasm for daily activities. They may lose interest with friends and family members and sleep less, or have difficulty getting up. They also crave carbohydrates, which provide the body immediate energy.

In the fall and winter can affect the brain pathways that regulate mood. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others experience symptoms that are severe enough to affect relationships and at work.

Treatment

The good news is that treatment options are available. Psychotherapy, light therapy, and medications can aid those suffering from SAD. Simple changes can also aid in relieving symptoms and improve mood.

SAD can be either severe or mild. It can affect a person's concentration, energy level and appetite. Some people who have SAD may feel irritable or angry more easily. They may also experience difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Certain people with SAD have difficulty sleeping, which can lead to fatigue throughout the day. The change of seasons can trigger symptoms signs of being depressed SAD. The shorter days in winter and autumn seasons could alter the biological rhythms of a person. It can decrease serotonin levels and boost Melatonin levels. This can cause insomnia or depression.

People suffering from SAD typically feel sad or depressed at certain times of the year. They typically experience these symptoms in winter or autumn and are more comfortable in spring. They can also experience episodes of elation, or feeling high in the summer. SAD sufferers might suffer more depressive episodes. SAD may be confused with other mood disorders. It's crucial to seek medical advice.

CBT (Cognitive behavioral symptoms Of Depression therapy) is an effective treatment option for SAD. CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals to challenge and alter negative thoughts. CBT for SAD is focused on changing negative thoughts about the season to more helpful ones. It also assists people in finding enjoyable activities to counteract the lack of interest that they typically have in the summer or winter months.

It's unclear how effective herbal supplements or remedies are for SAD. Many herbal remedies and supplements do not have the same degree of regulation as medications. They can interact with prescription medications and cause serious issues. Check with your physician prior to taking any dietary or herbal supplement.

Medication

The symptoms of seasonal depression are more serious than a few "winter blues." If you experience these mood swings every year at the same time, your GP can help diagnose and treat your common symptoms of depression. Treatment options include light therapy, psychotherapy, and medications.

Winter-pattern SAD is defined by depressive episodes that occur throughout the year in the fall and winter. These episodes are often associated with a lack of energy and appetite and a craving for starchy food, sleep disruption, and weight increase. These symptoms can lead to feelings of hopelessness, despair and even suicidal thoughts in the most severe cases.

Certain people suffering from SAD may benefit from taking a bupropion, which is a dopamine-inhibitor. This medication helps balance your levels of serotonin and dopamine and reduces the feeling of being depressed and anxious. This is a relatively new kind of antidepressant that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in treating SAD.

Your doctor will prescribe the right medication for you, based on your symptoms and the severity. They may suggest starting antidepressants in the fall before the symptoms of seasonal recognizing depression symptoms typically start each year, and continue taking them until spring. Based on the specific symptoms you experience they might also suggest that you use a light box or lamp to mimic sunlight and encourage the release of serotonin.

It's important to note that even though many people suffering from SAD feel a vitamin D deficiency however, there is no evidence of this being the cause of their illness. However, making sure your diet is rich in healthy foods and spend sufficient time outside in the sun can aid in reducing.

SAD can be extremely challenging and the symptoms can seem to last for a long time. But it is crucial to recognize that there are many treatments for this condition, and with the help of your GP you can conquer the symptoms and resume living your life normally. For more information on seasonal affective disorder and other mental health conditions, visit the Health Matters blog(link opens in a new window) at NewYork-Presbyterian.

Cognitive behavior therapy

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that appears in winter and fall and improves in the spring and summer. It is caused by changes to sunlight exposure and biological clocks that can affect sleep, eating habits and mood. Antidepressants, light therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy can improve symptoms of seasonal depression.

Researchers aren't sure what causes SAD. They believe that less sunlight triggers a chemical shift in the brain that leads to depression. SAD patients are more likely than other people to suffer from other mental disorders, like bipolar disorder or major depression. They may be also at risk due to an ancestral history of mental health issues such as schizophrenia or depression.

Serotonin, a chemical in the brain that regulates mood, is often less in people who have SAD winter-pattern. Low levels of serotonin can affect sleep and the ability to concentrate and can cause sadness. People who suffer from summer-related SAD might have lower melatonin levels, which can alter sleep patterns and cause depression symptoms.

SAD symptoms include sadness, low-energy as well as difficulty concentrating and a lack of interest in the activities you normally enjoy. You might be unable to connect with your friends and family during the dark, cold months or lose weight to deal with the negative emotions. You might also start to feel suicidal, which is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate care.

Talk therapy can help SAD sufferers recover from depression by changing negative thoughts and behaviors. During sessions, your therapist will ask you questions and help you to pay attention to your reactions to stressful situations. You will then work together to discover new ways to deal with these situations.

Psychotherapy is most effective when it's specifically tailored to a particular issue such as SAD. One of the most promising treatments for SAD is known as cognitive symptoms of depression behavioral therapy or CBT. CBT was developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960s. It is built on Albert Ellis’ rational emotive behavior therapy. It focuses on transforming destructive patterns of "emotional reasoning" that lead to depression.

Light therapy

Many people feel tired, slow and depressed as the seasons change. These symptoms can be more serious than "winter's blues" and can lead to depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you suffer from this condition, a few lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms and help restore your normal mood.

Research has shown that bright light therapy, also referred to as phototherapy, can help improve symptoms of SAD and other conditions that affect your mood. The early morning use of a light with a full spectrum or box can help alleviate symptoms. Light therapy increases serotonin production, natural chemical that increases your mood and makes you more alert. It also helps prevent the decline in your circadian clock, the internal clock in your body that regulates sleep cycles.

The best results for SAD are obtained by using a specific device that emits 10,000 lux of bright white light, around the same amount of light as outside on clear days in July. Your doctor may suggest that you stand or sit in front of the device for 30 minutes every day, beginning in the morning.

You may experience some headaches or eye strain when using the light, but these effects typically disappear by adjusting the intensity of the light and distance between you and the light source. It is important to utilize a light box that blocks harmful ultraviolet rays which can harm your eyes and the skin. You can purchase a lightbox from your healthcare provider, or you can find one on the internet. Be sure to ensure that it's medically endorsed to treat SAD.

Tell your healthcare provider if you suffer from bipolar disorder or any other mental condition, you have. Bright light therapy, also known as antidepressants, can trigger manic episodes in some people. The risk can be reduced by using these treatments under the supervision of a psychiatrist.